These were around long before Scammers took to the Internet but still exist today, and reports of residents being defrauded in this way continue to appear.
Basically, these are cold callers on your doorstep either selling goods and services, as well as attempting to buy high value items on the doorstep such as gold, silver, jewellery or antiques.
Everyone has at some time come across those persons trying to sell cleaning materials backed up by a story of being an ex-offender and trying to make a new life. Or it may have been the “tradesman” offering to repair or clean your roof, clean your block paving or re-lay your tarmac drive.
Dealing with someone face to face on the doorstep puts the householder under extra pressure and these fraudsters will always try and smooth talk you, or pressure you, into agreeing to something you never really wanted.
So how can you protect yourself?
Firstly, always be on your guard and be suspicious of anyone turning up out of the blue and uninvited – a sign at the door saying uninvited callers not welcome can often help
Never let any stranger into your home and also be aware of distraction callers when one person keeps you talking, whilst their partner goes around the back of the property to gain entry, so make sure doors are secured.
Use of Smart Doorbells with cameras are a good deterrent, and also gives you the facility to talk to them without opening the door
Anyone selling goods door to door should be in possession of a “Pedlar’s Licence” which you can ask to see
Always ask for an ID to prove they, and their business, are genuine
Never be rushed into signing up for a deal, and always ask for written quotations on their company headed notepaper so you can check they are genuine; it is also helpful to ask for references for a tradesman’s previous customers
Get competitive written quotes for any job or service and check of there is a “cooling off period” before accepting
Beware of requests for upfront payments before a job has been completed
You can also get your Utility Companies to set up a Password so then you know when someone claiming to be from the Electric, Gas, Telephone or Water Company is genuine
If the caller remains persistent then call the Police, either 999 if you feel in immediate danger, or 101 if you do not feel in immediate danger
Please feel free to share these messages with any vulnerable friends, relatives, or neighbours
If you have fallen for a fraud,
Report it to Report Fraud (formerly known as ACTION FRAUD) on 0300 123 2040 or via www.reportfraud.police.uk